Pure Tung Oil… Maybe you never heard of it, maybe you did. If you did hear of it you will probably know that Tung Oil is the highest natural treatment you can give to your wooden floors, decking, furniture etc... Tung oil is made from the pressed seeds from the nut of the Tung tree. Tung oil is considered a drying oil much as linseed, safflower, and soybean. When applied to wood, it provides a tough, highly water-resistant finish which does not darken noticeably with age as other products may do to natural wood. This does not mean that it's a colorless finish; it still has a slight golden tint and is for sure one of the first green finishes.
Tung Oil is sometimes called “China wood oil” it has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years in China to seal decorative and marine wood.
The surface should be dusted to remove all loose particles. Alternatively, you can lightly sand the first coat before applying a second. Any filling, sealing or staining must be done before the oil is applied. The first coat should be a liberal one, and you can rub it over the wood with your hand, a soft rag. Allow this application to sit for 20 minutes so the oil can soak in, then remove any excess with clean soft rags. Check after about half an hour for any seeping, and rub this off as well. Let dry completely (24-48 hours) between coats. For woods with very open pores, allow an extra 24 hours drying time.
Tung oil can be applied pure or with Citrus Solvent (more about Citrus Solvent in one of our next articles) If you are environmental conscious and want to use a non-toxic finish. Greatly accelerating the drying process and improved penetration is achieved by cutting the first coat of oil with Citrus Solvent, mineral spirits or turpentine by 50%. Each subsequent coating requires less solvent. Remember by adding mineral spirits or turpentine, Pure Tung Oil becomes temporarily toxic, but the finished product again becomes not toxic as the spirits or turpentine completely evaporate.
The number of coats of oil to be applied will be determined by the intended use of the piece. Two to four coats are enough for decorative work, paneling and molding. Surfaces that receive moderate to heavy use or handling could need from 6 to 10 coats for maximum protection, plus a light renewal coat a couple of times a year. Apply till the surface reaches the saturation point. This will be evident as the surface will not absorb more oil. Renewal and building coats are quickly applied with cheese cloth, a lint free cloth or old nylon stockings. This process will give you a surface that will stand up to vigorous use and spills, for example water will bead on the surface and not penetrate. The finished wood surface gives of a pleasant nutty aroma.
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